The government has suffered a dramatic day of defeats in the House of Commons, including a historic vote finding ministers in contempt of parliament for the first time. MPs also backed an amendment giving them the power to block a no-deal Brexit, delivering a bruising blow to Prime Minister Theresa May.
Parliament approved an amendment tabled by former Tory Attorney General Dominic Grieve by 321 votes to 299, granting MPs control over the next steps if May's Brexit deal fails. The government then bowed to demands to publish the full legal advice from Attorney General Geoffrey Cox after losing a contempt motion by 311 votes to 293.
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn told MPs: “This Government is not taking back control, it is losing control.” Shadow Brexit Secretary Sir Keir Starmer called the contempt finding a “badge of shame for this Government” and of “huge constitutional and political significance”.
The government had earlier rejected an amendment of its own that would have referred the contempt issue to the privileges committee, potentially delaying publication. Commons Leader Andrea Leadsom said the government would publish the advice but referred the matter to the privileges committee due to “very serious constitutional issues”.
This is the first time a government has been found in contempt of parliament. The Grieve amendment is seen as the biggest blow, ensuring Parliament can amend the government's plan if May's deal is rejected in next week's “meaningful” vote.
